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FOB, CIF Or DDP: Shipping Interlocking Court Tiles To Your Port
Shipping terms change who arranges freight, who carries the risk and what lands in the buyer's inbox. Here is how the three terms we work with most often apply to a container of modular court tiles.
- FOB / CIF / DDP explained
- Document checklist
- Container loading notes
- Landlocked corridor support
FOB: the buyer controls the main carriage
Under FOB we deliver the goods on board the vessel at the agreed Chinese port, and the buyer nominates the forwarder, books the sailing and arranges insurance onward. This suits distributors with an established freight partner or a consolidated buying programme. See importing from China for the wider process.
CIF: we arrange freight and minimum insurance
Under CIF we book the ocean leg to the named destination port and arrange minimum marine insurance, while the buyer handles import clearance, duties and the inland leg. It is the most common choice for first-time buyers who want a single ocean quotation without handing over customs control.
DDP: door delivery with clearance included
Under DDP we coordinate the ocean leg, import clearance, duties and delivery to the agreed site, subject to what is permissible at the destination. It is useful for schools and municipalities without an import department. For landlocked markets we build the road or rail corridor into the same offer - see the country pages on markets.
Documents and container loading
Whatever the term, expect a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and the material test reports on file. Tiles are palletised and counted by colour and panel type so the receiver can reconcile the shipment quickly; see container loading notes and tender documentation.
At a glance
| Terms offered | FOB / CIF / DDP |
| Typical load | Palletised interlocking PP tiles, counted by colour and type |
| Documents | Invoice, packing list, B/L, origin, test reports |
| Markets | Coastal ports and inland road / rail corridors |
| Support | Sample kits and LCL trial orders before a full container |
| Supplier | Shijiazhuang Meisu Sports Technology Co., Ltd. (MESKO) |
Frequently asked questions
Which term is best for a first order?
CIF is usually the simplest first step: one ocean quotation, while the buyer keeps control of clearance and the inland leg.
Can you deliver to a landlocked country?
Yes. We quote the ocean leg to a gateway port plus the documented road or rail corridor, under CIF or DDP depending on the destination.
Is insurance included?
CIF includes minimum marine cover; FOB leaves insurance to the buyer. Extra cover can be arranged on request for either term.
Can we order less than a full container?
Yes. Distributors commonly start with a sample kit or an LCL trial order before committing to a full container.
Related guides
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